Richardson Endorses Obama
Bill Richardson has, in a surprising move, endorsed Senator Barack Obama for president. It’s surprising because most people, including me, thought that Richardson would either endorse Senator Hillary Clinton or would endorse neither candidate. That he has decided to endorse Obama is, therefore, a relatively significant development (Richardson = prominent Dem); one gets the impression that he was inspired by Obama’s speech and / or that he felt the need to create some positive news for Obama. Or both. Having said that, I don’t think that this endorsement will make a tremendous difference electoral-wise; most people have probably already made their minds up and if they haven’t, well, my guess is that they won’t make their minds up now.
Richardson has a boatload of experience, far more than either Clinton or Obama, and I think would make a great VP. I can only imagine that he was honestly impressed with Obama (which I don’t find surprising) because of the timing of the endorsement. If he had endorsed Obama when he was fresh from his 12 straight wins, or out of Mississippi it would have been politically convenient, since Obama was a front-runner and politically very safe. Him choosing the endorsement at what is probably the lowest point of Obama’s campaign seems to show conviction.
Other than the very real obvious point that Clinton offers nothing positive for America, I can see why Richardson would endorse Obama. I do agree that it probably will not make a large difference voting wise but may help shore up his large support, and make further inroads with the Hispanic vote - not something to shy away from.